Bringing renter education into high school classrooms

A new partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension and BestPrep, a Brooklyn Park-based nonprofit, is introducing renter education to Minnesota high school students through a curriculum called *RentWise: Preparing to Live on Your Own*. The program covers financial planning for housing, lease agreements, landlord communication, and renter rights, tailored specifically for teens and young adults. Developed by Extension educators Sara Croymans and Dung Mao, the lesson draws from the existing RentWise curriculum and was piloted in Fall 2025 across eight classrooms in Woodbury, Irondale, and Robbinsdale Cooper High Schools. Over 200 students participated in the initial rollout, gaining practical skills to navigate housing challenges as first-time renters. In February 2026, Extension hosted a virtual train-the-trainer session for BestPrep staff and volunteer instructors, equipping them to deliver the curriculum permanently. The program aims to reduce housing instability by preparing students for informed, independent living decisions. The initiative addresses vulnerabilities faced by first-time renters, including discrimination risks and financial mismanagement. By integrating renter education into high school classrooms, the partnership seeks to build confidence and resilience among young adults transitioning into adulthood. The curriculum is now available statewide, leveraging BestPrep’s network of volunteer instructors and Extension’s expertise in financial literacy. The program’s success could serve as a model for other regions addressing similar housing education gaps.